Teeth Whitening for Sensitive Teeth

A whiter, brighter smile can give you a much-needed confidence boost, but teeth whitening products and procedures can increase sensitivity, which can cause irritation and discomfort in your teeth and gums. If your teeth are on the sensitive side, you may think teeth whitening isn’t an option for you. But did you know there are teeth whitening options that are safe and effective, even on sensitive teeth and gums? Whether you need a quick fix during a busy day, or want a whole-mouth makeover, there’s sure to be a way to whiten your teeth without pain and sensitivity. Read on to learn how to whiten sensitive teeth.

What Causes Sensitive Teeth?

According to the Mayo Clinic, tooth sensitivity is usually caused by worn tooth enamel or exposed dental roots, but may also be due to cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, or other factors. Sensitive teeth usually feels like a sharp pain or persistent ache, and can be triggered by brushing your teeth, hot and cold temperatures, or certain foods and drinks.

When whitening your teeth, sensitivity can be caused or exacerbated by the bleaching agent hydrogen peroxide. This chemical can penetrate your teeth enamel to lift stains and discolouration, but can also irritate nerve endings, often resulting in tooth pain and discomfort. This heightened sensitivity after whitening is usually temporary, but can last for days or weeks, and in some cases, may become permanent.

Professional Teeth Whitening

Many dental clinics offer two types of whitening treatments -

In-Chair

Dentists are able to use higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, which can deliver impressive whitening results faster than at-home treatments, but can also lead to increased sensitivity and pain.

Take Home

With custom-made trays and whitening gel featuring lower concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, take-home kits prescribed by a dentist can take longer to whiten your teeth, but may be recommended over in-chair whitening for those who already have sensitive teeth.

Professional teeth whitening is effective, but can be expensive, and the use of hydrogen peroxide can cause or exacerbate sensitivity. Fortunately, there are affordable and effective whitening options that don’t rely on hydrogen peroxide.

Peroxide-Free

While hydrogen peroxide has long been the go-to for teeth whitening, it isn’t the only choice. In recent years, PAP (phthalimido-peroxy-hexanoic acid) has emerged as an alternative, delivering the same reliable whitening results without the irritation and sensitivity associated with traditional, peroxide-based whitening.

The entire Polished London range is peroxide-free, instead using our unique PAP Pro formula to whiten your teeth without causing any inflammation, discomfort or damage to your enamel. PAP is gentle, non-toxic and enamel-safe, with anti-plaque and antibacterial properties, making it a great alternative for those who experience dental sensitivity.

Whitening Kit

The Polished London Teeth Whitening Kit uses PAP Pro whitening gel and a mouthpiece featuring LED Dual Light technology to whiten teeth. The PAP Pro gel breaks down stains without damaging enamel, while the LED light accelerates the whitening process, with treatments taking just 10-15 minutes a day. The Whitening Kit is perfect for those want quick and impressive whitening results that won't set-off sensitive teeth.

Whitening Strips

Featuring our advance whitening PAP Pro formula in an easy-to-apply, residue-free strip, the Polished London Teeth Whitening Strips are an easy and discreet way to whiten your teeth,

Whitening strips don't require an LED light, but each treatment may take a little longer than the Whitening Kit. Wear them for 30-60 minutes a day for 14 days to see impressive whitening results that are kind to your smile.

Whitening Pen

Perfect for travel or quick touch-ups on the go, the Polished London Teeth Whitening Pen uses the same peroxide-free PAP Pro formula in a convenient pen with a brush applicator for ease and precision. The pen can be used before or after eating to help prevent stains forming, and leaves a glossy finish for instantly brighter teeth. The Whitening Pen is a great option for short-term whitening, protecting your teeth from stains and giving your smile a quick boost.

Whitening Powder and Toothpaste

For especially sensitive teeth, brushing with a whitening product can be a good place to start your journey to a brighter smile. While the whitening kit or strips are best for removing built-up stains from your teeth, the Polished London Teeth Whitening Powder is perfect for removing daily stains and discolouration. Combined with the Ultra White Toothpaste, this powder can be used daily to clean and nourish your whole mouth, with vitamins A, C and E, hydroxyapatite to support your enamel, and hyaluronic to promote healthy, hydrated gums.

The Whitening Powder and Toothpaste can also be used between whitening treatments to help maintain your whitening results and keep your smile whiter for longer. 

Oral Hygiene

A good dental hygiene routine is essential for minimising stains and avoiding sensitivity and pain. Brush twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste, floss daily, and schedule regular check-ups with your dentist for a professional clean.

If sensitive teeth are causing you pain and discomfort, you should consult with your dentist to determine the cause of your sensitivity and ways to manage your discomfort. They may also be able to discuss suitable whitening options for your teeth.

Sensitive teeth can be a pain, but they don’t have to stand between you and a beautiful, bright smile. Speak with your dentist about professional whitening treatments, or try a peroxide-free whitening regime to brighten your teeth at home without the pain and sensitivity of older, peroxide-based options. With the right whitening agent that’s gentle on teeth and gums, sensitive teeth can be whitened, so you can enjoy the confidence of a bright, white, and pain-free smile.